Emergency Preparedness Kits What Should My Kit Include?
FOOD Enough food to last each person one complete meal for 3-5 days Non-perishable items A can opener or purchase pop-top cans Eating utensils MRE s (Meals Ready To Eat) High protein items Follow the expiration date on the cans or change the food in your kit once a year
What is a MRE??? Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) come in various sizes with different items. Inside the larger models you will find: A main course dish high in protein A heating packet A snack A powder mix drink Dessert Utensils, seasonings, and cleaning supplies They taste great and come in a variety of flavors.
Include one gallon of water per person, per day You can purify water by: Boiling it Adding a drop of household bleach to a quart of water WATER
Where else can I find water?? HOT WATER HEATER Inside your hot water heater is 30-50 gallons of clean, fresh drinkable water. Use that supply first before using the water in your kit.
BABIES Don t forget to include baby food, formula and diapers if you have young children in your family. Be sure to have enough to last your child for 3-5 days.
FIRST AID KIT Include Basic Medical Supplies Band-Aids Gauze Pads Antiseptic Ointment Aspirin/Over the Counter Medications Disinfectant Wipes Tape You can buy pre-made kits or create one of your own
PERSONAL ITEMS Toiletries Toilet Paper Tooth Paste/Tooth Brush Soap Deodorant Shampoo Kleenex Disinfectant Wipes Prescribed Medications Prescribed Reading Glasses
How can I save medications when my pharmacy restricts my amounts?? Many of us are restricted on the number of pills and refills our insurance and pharmacy allows. To make sure you have enough medications to add to your kit, keep one pill out a month, or per refill, and add that to the kit. It won t affect your prescriptions and will allow for medications in case of an emergency. Another great way to acquire prescriptions for you kit is to ask your doctor for samples of your medications.
LIGHTING Flashlights Battery Operated ones need spare batteries packed in the kit Wind-up flashlights are readily available at local stores Snap Glow Sticks Available where camping supplies are sold
TOOLS Search and Rescue Tools Hard Hat Dust Mask Safety Goggles Sturdy Pair of Gloves Hammer Leatherman Tool Pliers Pocket Knife Screwdrivers Clippers Utility Shut-off Tool Gas Water
PLASTIC BAGS & DUCT TAPE Garbage bags and duct tape can be used for many purposes during emergency situations: Sanitation Security Shelter in Place Shelter from the Elements
SHELTER If space permits, you can include a tent in your emergency kit. A more compact solution would be to include a water resistant tarp and clothing line. You can string the clothing line across an area and hang the tarp over it to create a tent-like shelter from the elements.
KEEPING WARM Keeping warm throughout a disaster situation is critical to your survival. Include blankets in your kit for each person to prevent hypothermia. Fabric Blankets Sleeping Bags Space Blankets Found anywhere camping supplies are sold
PORTABLE RADIO Include in your kit a portable am/fm radio. Either battery operated or wind-up, the radio will give you upto-the-minute information as to the status of the disaster and what the emergency crews are doing to mitigate the incident. Messages of: Evacuation Updates and Procedures Shelter-in-Place Orders Weather Updates Emergency Plans Resource Centers will all be transmitted via radio.
CLOTHING In the event of a disaster, you might be out of your home for days at a time. Include in your kit a change of clothing. Make sure it is warm and comfortable. If you are required to evacuate, you might have to do some walking. Pack in your kit comfortable, sturdy walking shoes, so that you can get around safely.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS Add a ABC Fire Extinguisher to your kit Take a class on Fire Extinguisher Training given by your local Fire Department Become familiar with the parts and labeling of the fire extinguisher Learn the acronym P.A.S.S.
EXTINGUISHERS CONT. P.A.S.S. P Pull the Pin A Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, standing back about 6-8 feet from the fire itself S Squeeze the handle, depressing the top level down so as to activate the extinguisher S Sweep the nozzle from side to side along the base of the fire
WHISTLE During search and rescue efforts, having a whistle will allow you to alert emergency personnel of your presence and that you need assistance in getting out to safety
During emergencies, roads may be closed and normal travel passages blocked. Keep a map in your disaster kit so you will know all possible routes in and around your neighborhood. MAPS
MATCHES Controlled fires made by matches can be very helpful during an emergency: Heat Cooking Disinfecting Water Water resistant matches can be purchased anywhere camping supplies are sold You can create your own water resistant matches by dipping the tip in paraffin wax Keep your matches in a water resistant plastic bag when storing them in your kit Always remember to keep matches out of the reach of children--only adults should light them for heat or cooking purposes
PETS Don t forget your pets when putting together a family disaster kit. Be sure to include: Food Toys Leash Vaccination Records Registration Papers
MOVING YOUR PET If space permits, include a small carrying case for your pet in your disaster kit. If an emergency requires evacuations, you will know that your pet is safe in their carrier.
DOCUMENTS/MONEY Include in your family kit, copies of important family documents such as: Social Security Cards Birth Certificates Doctors/Medical Information Insurance Papers ATM Machines may not be accessible, so put some cash into your kit, guaranteeing you have money during any emergency
COMFORT ITEMS During a disaster, it s important to maintain as positive an attitude as possible. Add comfort items to your kit: Coloring Books Crayons Playing Cards Stuffed Animal Reading Books Remember your emotional and mental wellbeing is equally as important as your physical wellbeing. Be mindful of others fears and concerns during a disaster, and work together as a team to address and comfort these issues.
STORAGE OPTIONS There are many different options in how to store all the items in your kit. There is no wrong choice, as long as your storage container will protect the items from the environment they are stored in. In an outdoor storage situation, sealed plastic storage units, such as a garbage can will work sufficiently Car/office kits that will have to be easy to grab and go can easily be stored in a duffle bag or backpack style container Decide what type of storage unit works best for space you have available and the size of your family.
PRE-MADE KITS Putting together your own family, office and car kit, specific to your needs, can be a fun family/group project. But many companies and organizations offer premade kits for the public to purchase. Type in Emergency Preparedness Kits on the internet and you will find many options that will suit your family s needs.